Jeremy Renner’s "Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters” gets sequel

The 3D action flick was no blockbuster in the United States, but $151 million abroad -- which accounts for 73.4 percent of the movie's $205.9 million total haul -- has apparently encouraged all the partners involved to begin developing another hunt for Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton.

Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and Kevin Messick of Gary Sanchez Productions are expected to return as producers, along with Beau Flynn.

"Hansel and Gretel," which was produced on a $50 million budget, premiered in U.S. theaters on Jan. 25 and grossed $19 million at the domestic box office that weekend. Although it debuted at number one, it was critically panned, and the initial response by U.S. audiences made any hopes for a sequel look grim.

Foreign markets, however, were much more receptive to the concept, adapted from the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale. "Hansel and Gretel", directed by Tommy Wirkola, took in $24.1 million in Brazil, $19 million in Russia, $14 million in Mexico, and $12.8 million in Germany to date.